Abstract

This study sought to determine extension workers' competencies that explain job
performance in the case of the Good Agriculture Practices (GAP) Scheme at the
Department of Agriculture, Malaysia. Specifically, the study determined extension
workers' competency levels in clients' capacity development, SALM Standards, social
skills and technology transfer process as independent variables. The study also
determined the level of extension workers' job performance as a dependent variable.
The study employed stratified random sampling technique. Samples are chosen using a
proportional sample allocation. The sample consisted of 21 0 extension workers from the
Department of Agriculture in four states of Malaysia, namely Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Kelantan and 10hor. Data were collected using a self administered questionnaire. The
data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and multiple
regression analysis.
Results indicated that more than half of extension workers rated their level of job
performance as high. A majority of respondents also rated their competency on
leadership development, problem solving and decision making development, social
skills, and technology transfer process skills as high. More than half of the respondents
indicated high ratings for cultural and SALM program competencies. The finding
supported the positive relationship between all competencies and job performance.
However, only four competencies were significant in explaining job performance of
extension workers. These are competencies on program evaluation, culture of clients,
SALM program and social.
This study is important as it contributes to the Interdependence Model of Extension by
confirming competencies that extension workers need to have in both technical and
human development. The findings would also assist policy makers and administrators in
increasing the performance of extension workers. The competencies that have been
identified in this study can be incorporated into both the pre-service and in-service
training of extension workers.